SAN DIEGO—The Fleet Science Center continues its celebration of 50 years of connecting everyone in San Diego to the power of science with a very special co-celebration of the 50 years of hip hop on Friday, December 15: 50/50 Hip Hop After Dark.

The Fleet is partnering with San Diego’s own MANDATE Records to present an evening that explores the intersection of STEM and hip hop.

Seeing how hip hop and STEM interplay can open up worlds to help San Diegans who may have thought that STEM is not for them see that STEM is indeed for them. This is another way the Fleet is connecting everyone in San Diego to the power of science. 

Four DJs will spin the best of five decades of music and three poets will captivate with spoken word. The Fleet is excited to work with some of the area’s most talented hip hop artists to bring San Diego this signature event. 

The premier DJs and renowned poets and spoken word artists, include 

• DJ Kali 
• DJ Almond Eyez 
• DJ Birdy Bird 
• DJ Gil
• Poet Gill Sotu 
• Poet Natasha Hooper
• Poet Rudy Francisco

Hip hop has STEM in its origins, with pioneers like Grandmaster Flash using mathematics to figure out how to cut, paste, repeat and extend a piece of music. 

Rapping, often a component of hip hop, also is based on inquiry and problem-based learning, key pieces of STEM learning. And let’s not forget about the technology involved in creating and distributing hip hop. It’s all STEM. 

“The inherent connections between hip hop and STEM are not always apparent,” says Mwenda KudumuBiggs, Vice President of Community Service and Engagement for the Fleet Science Center. “With the Fleet’s commitment to cocreate with the communities of San Diego, we all have the opportunity to highlight the connections that are already there.”

When people, especially young people, see those connections between the music and art they love and STEM, they can begin developing their STEM identities. 

Schedule 

• 6 p.m. Poetry Slam and Battle of the DJs, Heikoff Giant Dome Theater 
• 7 p.m. DJs spinning 50 years of hip hop in four different areas of the Fleet 

Tickets are only $25, with a special $15 VIP Lounge access add-on. Wine and beer will be available for purchase. The VIP Lounge will feature a dedicated DJ and specialty cocktails available for purchase.  

For Media

To schedule an interview with a featured hip hop artist or a Fleet subject matter expert, to learn more or to attend this special event, please contact Fleet Science Center Communications Specialist Suzanne Sanders at (619) 238-1233 ext. 804 or ssanders@rhfleet.org.  

Información y entrevistas en español también están disponibles para los medios necesarios. 

Press photos 

About the Fleet Science Center

Since 1973, the Fleet Science Center has been a central link between science, schools and scientific organizations, collaborating with the communities that call San Diego County home. Its mission is simple yet bold: to realize a San Diego where everyone is connected to the power of science. The organization delivers on this mission through engaging experiences and culturally driven education programs in neighborhoods throughout the county and the historic Balboa Park flagship location. The Fleet creates places of inspiration by collaborating with communities to support and grow STEM talent in San Diego. From interactive exhibits and school field trips to free science programs, the Fleet is forward-thinking and consistently evolving to create positive change in the world. The Heikoff Giant Dome Theater is the world’s first IMAX Dome Theater, presenting the most significant films on the planet. To learn more, visit fleetscience.org. 

About Balboa Park

Located near downtown San Diego, Balboa Park is the largest urban-cultural park in the United States. First established by the City of San Diego in 1868, it is also one of the oldest city parks in the nation and is the most visited single destination in San Diego. Its 1,200 acres include 17 museums, many gardens and attractions, the San Diego Zoo, miles of hiking trails, and multiple athletic complexes to explore and discover. For more information, visit balboapark.org.